NHL Stomps on Simon With 30 Game Suspension
December 19th, 2007 by murph
As reported by TSN, the NHL has come down hard, really hard, on Chris Simon for his skate stomping incident last weekend.
P.S. This is Simon’s 8th NHL suspension - which is what I thought. I incorrectly stated it was his 7th in an earlier post based on whatever (obviously incorrect) article I was reading at the time.
The National Hockey League has suspended New York Islanders forward Chris Simon for 30 games for stepping on Pittsburgh’s Jarkko Ruutu last weekend.
“There were several factors that were considered in imposing the largest suspension in NHL history for an on-ice incident,” explained NHL Vice President Colin Campbell.
“While fortunate, Mr. Ruutu suffered no serious injury as a result of Chris Simon’s actions, the deliberate act of kicking an opponent with a skate blade, especially when that opponent is in a vulnarable position, is and always has been a repugnant and totally unacceptable act in the game of hockey.”
In light of the severity of the discipline, a source close to the case believes Simon will be quick to appeal it.
[UPDATE] The Islanders have released a statement from Garth Snow regarding Simon and the suspension.
“Since Saturday night, the focus of the New York Islanders has been on Chris Simon the person, not him as a player or on his place in our lineup. As we announced on Monday, the Islanders are going to provide Chris the time and support that he needs for counseling. For Chris right now, hockey must be secondary to the priority of taking care of himself.
“Chris has played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League, has won a Stanley Cup and just as importantly has won the respect of his teammates. He is an Islander, deserves our compassion, and we ask that all Islanders fans join us in supporting Chris every step of the way.”
matt Says
this guy should be banned from hockey for good.
Dec 19th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
fauxrumors Says
1) WE have to agree with Matt. Simon should hav ebeen out right released as son as that game was over. What he did was selfish to say nothing of the potential injury implications
2) From his recent statements it appears he’s still in denial about it.
Dec 21st, 2007 at 11:21 am